LAS VEGAS -- ShelfX has taken the wraps off its novel micromarket, which uses the "smart-shelf" technology featured in its unattended Vending Fridge. The company has opened a Las Vegas showroom for the new "self-shelf" check-out store, where potential operators, franchisees and location owners are invited to experience its ease of shopping without lines, cashiers or product scanning.

The new showroom mimics a "real-life" unattended micromarket, and is equipped with Boulder, CO-based ShelfX's patent-pending "wave before you take" technology. Entry to the convenience store is secured by requiring a wave of the shopper's prepaid Xcard or swipe of a credit card.

Upon entering the market, shoppers simply wave their Xcard again at the shelf or refrigerator and then select any dry, refrigerated or frozen products, in any quantity. Shoppers can also pick up products to get a closer look and return items to the shelf without being charged. Totals are automatically shown on display units at the shelf and immediately deducted from their account. In the case of refrigerators or freezers, closing the door completes the transaction.

The micromarket's backend management software provides the ability to track inventory in real-time and receive alerts when products are due for restocking. Detailed sales and product performance reports can be retrieved to maximize sales and improve business performance. Prices can also be adjusted on the fly to clear stock or offer a timely promotion.

Operators can fully customize their installation with any number of dry shelves, refrigerators or freezers that they desire. A facial recognition add-on is also available that allows smart shelves to instantly identify buyers' faces as they approach merchandise, offering consumers a faster, more intuitive experience.

"We are set up and ready to show the world just how revolutionary this new unattended micromarket concept is, and have already welcomed interested businesses to our new Las Vegas showroom," said ShelfX chief executive Ran Margalit. "The possibilities for our unmanned convenient store are endless, and we look forward to working alongside companies and franchisees to customize the solution to meet their specifications."

ShelfX's Vending Fridge began rolling off the production line in January. The novel merchandising system features a "smart shelf" equipped with sensitive scales that know the exact quantity and identity of products stocked on it. The machine also "knows" what customers remove or return to the shelf, and adjusts accordingly before processing the payment. | READ MORE